Captured in War, Marched for Peace
In 1943, amid the chaos of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese troops captured thirteen elephants used by the Japanese army in Burma. One of them was a male elephant named Ah Mei, later known as Lin Wang. These elephants, once used to haul supplies and artillery for the Japanese, were repurposed by the Chinese Expeditionary Force under General Sun Li-jen to support the Allied campaign in Southeast Asia.
After the war ended, the elephants undertook a grueling march along the Burma Road to Guangdong. Six died en route, but Lin Wang survived. In 1946, he was part of a traveling circus organized to raise funds for famine relief in Hunan province.
Crossing the Strait to a New Life
In 1947, Sun Li-jen was transferred to Taiwan to train new military units. Lin Wang and two other elephants were brought along, but one died during the journey. The remaining pair helped transport logs and carry out manual tasks at an army base in Fongshan, Kaohsiung. By 1951, Lin Wang was the last survivor of the original thirteen elephants. In 1954, the military donated him to the Taipei Zoo, then located in Yuanshan.
He was introduced to a female elephant named Malan and became a beloved resident. His name was changed from Ah Mei to “King of the Forest” (森林之王), but due to a misheard pronunciation, the press began calling him Lin Wang (林旺)—a name that stuck.
Beloved by Generations
Lin Wang’s popularity grew with each passing year. In 1983, the Taipei Zoo held his first public birthday celebration for his sixty-sixth year. These parties became an annual event, attracting thousands of visitors, including Taipei’s mayors.
When the zoo relocated to Mucha in 1986, many residents lined the streets just to watch Lin Wang move to his new home. He became widely known as “Grandpa Lin Wang” and was affectionately regarded by children and adults alike.
Final Years and National Farewell
In early 2003, Lin Wang developed arthritis in his hind leg, lost his appetite, and gradually declined. He died on February 26, 2003, at the age of 86—making him the longest-living elephant in captivity at the time. His passing prompted an outpouring of public mourning.
Tens of thousands visited the zoo to pay respects. The Taipei mayor declared him an Honorary Citizen, and President Chen Shui-bian sent a wreath. In 2004, Lin Wang’s body was preserved as a life-size specimen displayed at Taipei Zoo, where his story continues to be remembered.
Captured during a jungle battle in World War II, a young elephant named Lin Wang began an extraordinary journey—from hauling artillery in Burma to becoming Taiwan’s most beloved zoo resident.
His life spanned continents, armies, and decades of public affection…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/hrC1Qq4eWd
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) June 9, 2025